Proof Sets

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Proof Sets

Proof Sets

Proof coins are produced using special minting and processing techniques, resulting in coins with special finishes. They have been sold separately in the past, and since 1950, have been offered only in sets although Proof versions of recent commemorative coins, the American Ea...READ MORE

Proof Sets

Proof Sets

Proof coins are produced using special minting and processing techniques, resulting in coins with special finishes. They have been sold separately in the past, and since 1950, have been offered only in sets although Proof versions of recent commemorative coins, the American Eagle bullion coins, and the 1999 Anthony dollars have been offered individually.

While coins in Uncirculated Mint sets are little or no different from those struck for circulation, Proof coins are a special breed. A Proof coin is struck on specially prepared planchets, using special minting techniques, generally on a specialized coining press.The term "Proof" means different things to many collectors, dealers and other hobbyists. Some believe Proof is the top level of preservation, or grade - it is not. Others believe Proof coins are particularly shiny coins destined for collectors rather than circulation - they are only partly correct.

"Proof" in numismatics refers to a special manufacturing process designed to result in coins of the highest quality produced especially for collectors. "Proof" is not a grade, as many beginning collectors think, although grading services, dealers and collectors may assign Proof coins numerical grades such as Proof 63 or Proof 65.

Proof coins result from the same basic processes used in producing the dies and planchets used in producing coins for circulation for use in commerce. However, Mint employees use special techniques in preparing the surfaces of the dies and planchets intended for Proof coins. Special presses and striking techniques are also used in the production of Proof coins.

Most of the Proof coins sold by the United States Mint today are Frosted Proofs. The flat fields are mirror-like, reflective and shiny. The frosting refers to the white, textured, non-reflective finish found on the raised devices, lettering and other points in relief. Both the frosted and mirror finishes are the results of the special techniques used in preparing the dies.

All dies are produced at the Philadelphia Mint and Denver Mint die shops, although the surfaces of Proof dies used at the San Francisco Mint are prepared in San Francisco. A die features a mirror image, incused version of the finished coins design. Points that are raised on the coin are incused on the die. Points incused on the coin are in relief on the die.

To prepare a Frosted Proof die, the die is first sandblasted with an aluminum oxide and glass bead compound. This imparts a rough, textured finish to the entire die. After the sandblasting is completed, cellophane tape is placed over the entire surface. The person preparing the die then removes the cellophane tape from around the incused areas in the die; in effect, the fields are uncovered and the cellophane protects the incused areas.

The uncovered surfaces are then polished to a high sheen while the textured finish on the incused areas is left intact. Once the polishing is completed, the die receives a light plating of chrome, two- to three-thousandths of an inch thick. The chrome is then buffed. The finished die now has mirror-like fields and textured relief, and will impart the same finishes to the coins it strikes.The planchets used to strike the Proof coins also receive special treatment. The planchets are burnished in a process that tumbles them in a media of carbon steel balls, water and an alkaline soap. The process cleans and polishes the planchets. The burnished planchets are rinsed in clear water and towel-dried by hand, then go through another cleaning and hand-drying process. Compressed air is used to blow lint and dust from the planchets.

Proof coins are struck on special presses that operate at slower speeds than the high-speed presses used for striking circulating coinage. While the Proof coining presses, like all presses, impress the design from the dies onto the planchet, the product.

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LIBERTY CAP RIGHT HALF CENT

THE SMALLEST DENOMINATION

Although it may seem unusual today, the United States government once issued a coin worth less than one cent: the half cent. The copper U.S. half cent was authorized for production on April 2, 1792. During its 64-year lifespan as a circulating denomination, five different basic design types of the tiny (0.93-inch) coin were struck. The coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint and do not have a Mint mark. The half cent's designers and engravers are among the best known names in U.S. Mint design/engraving history: Adam Eckfeldt, Robert Scot, John Gardner, Gilbert Stuart, John Reich and Christian Gobrecht. Designs for the half cent were also used on other denominations through the years. The 1793 Liberty Cap half cent features a lettered edge stating TWO HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR. The obverse depicts a bust of Liberty with flowing hair, facing left. A Liberty Cap on a pole rests on her right shoulder giving the design its name, the Liberty Cap. The design for the Liberty Cap half cent was based on Agustin Dupre's Libertas Americana medal. Half cents struck between 1794 and 1797 bear another Liberty Cap design, this one facing right, and issued in Plain Edge, Lettered Edge and Gripped Edge varieties. From 1800 to 1808 the Draped Bust design was used on half cents. All half cents bearing those dates are Plain Edge varieties. The Classic Head design was used on half cents struck between 1809-1836. From 1849 to 1857, a Coronet design with Plain Edge was used. All half cents have a wreath on the reverse. The key dates in the series are 1793; 1796, No Pole; 1802/0, Reverse of 1800; and 1831.